Teacher demonstration console



March 19, 1968 1. BARECKI TEACHER DEMONSTRATION CONSOLE 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Sept. 28, 1966 FIG.

IENTOR Chester J. Barecki BY ATTORNEYS March 19, 1968 c BARECKI TEACHER DEMONS THAT ION CONSOLE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 28, 1966 INVENTOR Chester J. Bdregki BY wear-man),

p ill I A! 3 54Fzfiriflrarzifl M v/M/m eu ATTORNEYS March 19, 1968 c.J. BARECKI TEACHER DEMONSTRATION CONSOLE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 28, 1966 INVENO' Chester. J. Borecki BY Qua/non),

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March 19, 1968 :.J. BARECKI TEACHER DEMONSTRATION CONSOLE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 28, 1966 Y INVENTOR Chester J. Bcrecki BY ZZZ/0n),

l0 g mdm March 19, 1968 C.J. BARECKI TEACHER DEMONSTRATION CONSOLE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 28, 1966 m T m m 0 V m Wm w, M L r m s m C@ b w 3,373,703 TEACHER DEMONSTRATION CONSOLE Chester J. Barecki, Grand Rapids, Mich., assignor to American Seating Company, Grand Rapids, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 28, 1966, Ser. No. 582,625 6 Claims. (Cl. 108-50) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A slide projector cabinet is slidably mounted in an opening in the top of a table, the projector being provided with a transparency slide-receiving plate and carrying also a mast which extends above the cabinet and is provided at its top with a projector lens for directing the image from the slide projector rearwardly onto a screen or image-receiving surface. The cabinet is slidably mounted in the table opening and is provided with cooperating means for supporting it with the cabinet body extending below the table so that the lecturer can use the cabinet while sitting and alternatively in an elevated position with the main body of the cabinet above the table, and with the mast and lens also elevated proportionately so that the lecturer may use the elevated projector while standing. Latches are provided for automatically supporting the cabinet when it is raised to elevated position, and holding it upon the table when it is lowered.

This invention relates to a sole.

An object of the invention is to provide a demonstration console through which images may be projected and other equipment utilized in a teaching demonstration. Yet another object is to provide flexibility in the imageprojecting apparatus enabling the teacher to project the images while in a sitting or standing position and while pointing out features of the projected image. A still further object is to provide effective means for raising and lowering a projecting device. A still further object is to provide in a console compartments for transparency slides and for tape while utilizing the closure therefor as a screen and bulletin board, etc. A still further object is to provide an improved console construction wherein wiring cords are concealed and separate plug-in connections are made for the projector and amplifier equipment. A still further object is to provide an improved console construction in which a reel tray of unique'design is housed within a compartment while also providing a speaker mounted in the compartment. Other specific objects and advantages will appear as the specification proceeds.

The invention is shown, in illustrative embodiments, by the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a teacher demonstration console embodying my invention, the view being taken from the front of the console; FIG. 2, a perspective view of the console, the view being taken from the rear thereof; FIG. 3, a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the projector in raised position and the compartment closure raised; FIG. 4, a view similar to FIG. 3 but taken from the rear of the console; FIG. 5, a top plan view of the console, a portion thereof being broken away to show parts therein; FIG. 6, a front View in elevation showing the projector in raised position; FIG. 7, an end view in elevation showing the projector in lowered position; FIG. 8, an end view in elevation taken from the teacher demonstration connited States Patent G end opposite that shown in FIG. 7 and with the projector in raised position; FIG. 9, a perspective view of the side panels with which the projector is equipped; FIG. 10, an end view of one of the side panels showing the parts in latching position; FIG. 11, a view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the latches withdrawn to permit lowering of the projector; FIG. 12, an end'view of the tape reel tray or rack; FIG. 13, a perspective view of the tape reel tray; and FIG. 14, a diagrammatic view of the wiring layout.

In the illustration given and as shown best in FIGS. 1-4 inclusive, I provide a console table having a top 10 supported in legs 11, the legs being provided at their bottoms with base members 12.

The table top 10 is provided with three openings. In one of the openings is slidably mounted a projector case 13 equipped with side panels 14 and 15, the case or cabinet being provided at its top with a projection screen 16 adapted to receive transparencies for the projection of images. Mounted upon the cabinet 13 is a mast 17 supporting an overhead projector 18 by which images from plate 16 are projected rearwardly onto a screen (not shown) located behind the teacher console. Since the projector apparatus is well known, a further detailed description herein is believed unnecessary.

The table top is also apertured to receive a tape recorder case 19 in which is supported tape recorder mechanism 20 adapted to receive reels of tape which are played thereon. In front of the recorder 20 is located a preamplifier 21 which communicates with an amplifier 20a, shown best in FIG. 14. Since the tape recorder apparatus and amplifier apparatus are well known, a further detailed description herein is believed unnecessary. Between the cases 13 and 19 may be supported a drawer 22 for receiving the teachers notes, etc.

A third opening is made in the table top 10, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the opening communicates with a compartment 23 in which is housed a container for slides 24 and a tape reel tray 25 containing tape reels 26, as shown best in FIG. 4. A closure 27 is hinged to the table top 10 and may be swung to a forwardly-inclined position and supported therein by the link 28. The inner face of the closure 27 is preferably surfaced with cork or other suitable material to provide a bulletin board 29 on which the teacher may secure notes, etc.

The closure 27 provides a screen which conceals from the students the bulletin board data, the transparency slides, and the tape reels, etc., as they are being handled by the teacher, while at the same time the inclined closure provides an information board for the teacher as he is addressing the class.

In the use of the projector 13, the teacher follows the usual practice of placing the transparency containing the image onto the projection plate 16 and in the course of the lecture points to various features of the image as he views it from the plate 16. This action of pointing to a particular feature is projected automatically through the overhead projector 18 onto the screen behind the teacher. This operation may be carried out while the teacher is seated and the projector is in the lowered position shown in FIG. 1. At times, however, it is desirable for the teacher to stand and to be able to continue the lecture with respect to the projected image, and to facilitate this operation I have provided means for raising the projector apparatus to the position shown 'best in FIGS. 4 and 8.

For holding the projector in the raised position or in the lowered position, I employ side panels 14 and 15 as shown in detail in FIGS. 9, l0 and 11. Each of the panels 14 and 15 is provided at its top with an outwardlyextending flange 30 by which the projector case 13 may be supported in lowered position. Preferably the flange 30 is raised centrally to provide hand holds 31. The lower end of each panel 14 and 15 is provided with an inwardlyturned flange 32 provided with holes for securing the panels by screws or other means to the projector cabinet or case 13. For locking the cabinet 13 in the raised position shown best in FIGS. 4 and 8, I provide the following mechanism; A metal strap 33 is welded at its top to the panel 14 or 15 and thus provides a spring lever which extends downwardly and then is turned outwardly to form a latch 34 extending through an aperture in the side of the panel. Welded to the lower portion of the strap 33 is a cross-piece 35 having outwardlyextending projections 36, as shown best in FIGS. 9, l and 11. The members 36 also extend through openings in the sides of the panels and provide latches for engaging the top of the table while the lower latch 34 engages the bottom of the table 10. The latch projections 36 are preferably cut at an inclined angle so that they will be depressed automatically by the table top as the unit is raised by using the hand grips 31.

To operate the lever 33 to withdraw the same, as shown best in FIG. 11, I provide a button 37 having a stem 38 which is secured to the lever 33. As shown best in FIG. 11, when the button is pressed inwardly, lever 33 is retracted inwardly, and this withdraws the latch members 34 and 36 so as to permit lowering of the projector to the position shown best in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7.

The tape reel tray 25, as shown best in FIGS. 12 and 13, is provided with a handle 39 secured at its base to a cross-piece 40 which unites a large arcuate tray 41 and a smaller arcuate tray 42. Spaced cross rods 43 for the larger tray 41 and spaced rods 44 for the smaller tray 42 provide supports for the tape reels 26, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In the illustration given in FIG. 4, the tape reel tray is shownin a position in which it is partially withdrawn from the compartment. When the tray is placed in the bottom of the compartment, the handle 39 thereof lies below the closure 27.

Within the storage space below the table and at one end of the storage space may be supported a speaker 45, as shown best in FIG. 5. If desired, a speaker may also be supported at the opposite end of the storage space.

The wiring layout, as shown best in FIG. 14, illustrates the power cord 46 which may be plugged into a floor plug connection and leads to an outlet box 47. The power cord is concealed by passing it upwardly through the inside of the left leg 11 and into the outlet box 47. The outlet box 47 permits a connection to be made through line 48 to the power unit 49. From the power unit 49, a lead 50 extends to the tape recorder 20, and a lead 51 leads to the pre-amplifier 21 and is then connected to the amplifier 21a. From the amplifier 20a, a lead 52 extends to the speaker 45. As shown best in FIG. 14, a separate connection is made with the outlet box 47 to provide current through lead 53 to the projector 13. Thus, the teacher can readily disconnect either the projector or the tape deck without interfering with the operation of the other instrument.

If it is desired to use microphones, the microphone jacks may be plugged into the openings 21a in the preamplifier 21.

Operation In the operation of the teacher console, the teacher may withdraw tape reels 26 and place them on the in strument 20, following the usual practice for operating tape recorders, and may also withdraw from the cabinet 23 a transparency which is to be projected, placing the transparency on the plate 16 so that the image is projected through the overhead projector 18 onto a screen behind the teacher. During the lecture, the teacher can refer to the image shown on the plate 16 and while the teacher is in sitting position behind the console. Should the teacher desire to stand and at the same time point out features on the transparency slide, he may raise the projector to the position shown best in FIGS. 4 and 8. In this operation, the teacher simply raises the projector unit by grasping the handles 31 of the side panels 14 and 15 and raising the structure. The beveled ends of the latch members 36 cause the latch members to be retracted as the panels are raised. The latch members 34 carried by the side panels 14 and 15 are brought into engagement with the bottom of the table 10, and the latch members 36 which have cleared the top of the table spring outwardly under the force of the spring bar 33 and engage the edges of the table so as to support the projector in the raised position. When the teacher desires to lower the projector, he simply presses inwardly the buttons 37 which retract the latch members 36 and 34, and the projector unit may be lowered to bring the top supporting flanges 30 of panels 14 and 15 onto the table.

For ready access to the tape reels, the handle 39 of the tray 25 may be grasped to lift the reels from the compartment 23 so that they may be readily examined and the desired reel selected. With the compartment closure 27 tilted toward the class and away from the teacher, there is ready access to the compartment while at the same time the board 29 is available for supporting notices, information sheets, etc. Upon closing the closure 27 and lowering the projector 13, the console is restored to table position so that the bulk of the table surface can be utilized as a table or desk.

At any time in the operation, the teacher may disconnect the projector apparatus or, alternatively, the recorder apparatus and use one or the other of the instruments, the connections being made readily by plugging the desired connection into the receptacle box 47, as shown best in FIG. 14.

While in the foregoing specification, I have set forth certain structure in considerable detail for the purpose of illustrating embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that such details may be varied widely by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. In combination with a table having a top provided with a cabinet opening, a slide projector cabinet slidably mounted in said opening, a slide projector in said cabinet provided with a transparency slide-receiving plate, a. mast carried by said cabinet, projector lens carried by said mast above said cabinet, and cooperative means on said cabinet and table for supporting said cabinet together with said mast and lens in lower position with the main cabinet body below said table and in an elevated position with the main body of the cabinet above said table, whereby a lecturer may use the lowered projector while sitting and use the projector in elevated position while standing.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said cabinet is provided with side panels equipped with outwardly-extending latches engageable with said table when the cabinet is raised and in which means are provided for retracting said latches in order tolower said projector cabinet.

3. The structure of claim 2 in which said latch members are urged outwardly by spring members and have upwardly and outwardly inclined sides whereby when the cabinet is raised said latches automatically retract upon engagement with said table top and are then urged outwardly when the latches clear the table top.

4. The structure of claim 1 in which said projector cabinet is equipped with side panels having slots therein and with spring bars equipped with laterally-projecting latches extending through said slots for supporting said projector cabinet in elevated position, said latches engaging the top of the table and also the bottom of the table.

5. The structure of claim 4 in which said side panels are provided at their top with outwardly-extending flanges for supporting said cabinet upon said table when the cabinet is lowered.

6. In combination with a table top having an opening therethrough, a projector cabinet provided with a plate adapted to receive a transparency slide, side panels equipped at their tops with flange projections for supporting said cabinet in a lowered position upon said table, and latch means carried by the lower portion of said panels for releasably engaging said table top for supporting said projector in elevated position when the projector is raised, said projector being equipped with an upwardly-extending mast fixed to said cabinet, and an overhead lens carried by the mast in fixed spaced relation to said cabinet for projecting the image of the transparency rearwardly.

References Cited UNITED Collins STATES PATENTS Baker et a1.

Katz 8824 Katz.

312312 Rosenfeld 8824 Millner et a1.

Zagel 108-25 Fried.

CASMIR A. NUNBERG, Primary Examiner. BOBBY R. GAY, Examiner. 15 G. O. FINCH, Assistant Examiner. 

